thePULSEPaul Giorgio
Mari e Monti opens. Mari e Monti, which means “Sea and Mountain” in Italian, recently opened on Worcester’s Wall Street. We’re very impressed with what the owners have done to the space. For those who have fond memories of the Italian restaurant that was here previously, let’s just say you won’t believe the transformation. The owners have created a hip, urban dining spot, using brick walls and a pleasing color palette. Try it out
More Piccolo. It appears that John Piccolo, owner/chef at Piccolo’s on Shrewsbury Street, will be opening another venture soon. This time, Piccolo is opening a small sandwich shop on lower Belmont Street. The site was formerly a D’Angelo’s before becoming an Asian restaurant ~ Lava Rock ~ for about one month last year.
Name change. The Piccadilly Bar & Grill on Shrewsbury Street has changed its name to Paparizzi Restaurant. The new menu will feature more Italian dishes and keep some of the old favorites. This is a great location on Shrewsbury Street with plenty of parking and reasonable prices. The restaurant will also be opening an outdoor dining area.
You design the menu. Worcester’s award-winning uber-chef, Albert Maykel of EVO, is redoing his menu and is asking for help from his customers. Maykel’s will release his new menu at the end of the summer. Before he completes it, he is asking Worcester diners what dishes or foods they wish he would make for them. Some may even make the new menu. To weigh in, send your comments to info@evodining.com. Better yet, stop in at the Chandler Street eatery, enjoy a meal and offer your opinions.
Opening Day. The Flying Rhino on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street recently opened its outdoor deck and at the same time, celebrated its 14th year in business. So how do Paul Barber and his wife Melina, owners of the Rhino, celebrate? They unveiled their new seasonal menu. Chef Chris O’Harra, who took over the range at the Rhino at the end of last year, has created a summer menu that emphasizes light, fresh and seasonal foods.
Use the Wayback Machine, Mr. Peabody. A new burger franchise, Jake’s Wayback Burgers, recently opened in the Walmart Plaza on Route 146 in Worcester. This is the third franchise in Massachusetts. Local owner is Dario DiPieratino, of Grafton.
Another reason to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Ole Mexican restaurant on Worcester’s Water Street was given a liquor license recently. We hear that the bar makes the best Margarita in town, but we will let you know for sure.
